Four of football's shortest managerial reigns | Football | The Guardian Soccer Four of football's shortest managerial reigns Internazionale have sacked Gian Piero Gasperini after five competitive games in charge. Here are four other managers whose reigns were brief Brian Clough (left) was manager of Leeds United for just 44 days in 1974. Photograph: Evening Standard/Getty Images Owen Rawlings Wednesday 21 September 2011 10.23 EDT First published on Wednesday 21 September 2011 10.23 EDT Close Brian Clough – Leeds United In 1974, Brian Clough famously endured 44 dismal days as Leeds manager, an episode now recorded on the page and screen . Clough was a surprise appointment at Elland Road; he was already an unpopular figure, having lambasted Don Revie's "dirty" Leeds side for their physical approach in previous years. Clough failed to win over a dressing room fiercely loyal to Revie and was eventually forced out after only one win in six games. Steve Coppell – Manchester City and Bristol City Steve Coppell twice walked out early on clubs during his managerial career.

In 1996, Coppell left Manchester City after 33 days in the job, citing stress as the reason for his sudden departure. Fourteen years later, Coppell, who was appointed Crystal Palace manager on four separate occasions, announced his resignation at Bristol City – only three months after taking charge. Coppell explained that he no longer had the requisite passion for the job and announced he would retire from management altogether. Kevin Cullis – Swansea City In 1996, Kevin Cullis was appointed manager of Swansea City, despite never having played professionally and only ever having coached non-league Cradley Town's youth team. Cullis's shortcomings were soon realised by the players and he left the Vetch Field after seven days and two defeats. The players claimed that they had taken control of team matters at half-time of the Swans' 4-0 loss at Blackpool, Cullis's last game in charge Leroy Rosenior – Torquay United Leroy Rosenior lasted only 10 minutes as Torquay manager in 2007. Moments after he had agreed to return to Plainmoor for his second spell at the club, the Gulls were taken over by a local consortium.

The new owners decided that they wanted their own man at the club and immediately sacked Rosenior, though they did agree to pay him compensation. You're fired: Michael Appleton and the shortest managerial reigns | The Independent You're fired: Michael Appleton and the shortest managerial reigns Michael Appleton ousted as Blackburn Rovers manager after 15 games in charge Tuesday 19 March 2013 11:49 BST Click to follow You're fired: Michael Appleton and the shortest managerial reigns 1/24 Michael Appleton (Blackburn) 15 games, 67 days, 2013 Appleton left his previous job at Blackpool after only 65 days, and was to last just two days longer at Blackburn. Getty Images 2/24 Alex McLeish (Nottingham Forest) 7 games, 41 days, 2012 It is thought the reason behind McLeish's decision to leave Forest was interference from the club's Kuwaiti owners, the Al-Hasawi family, in team affairs.

The Scot was left frustrated after missing out on several targets during the transfer window - most notably Peterborough winger George Boyd whose move to the east midlands was scuppered by a failed eye test Getty Images 3/24 Henning Berg (Blackburn) 10 games, 57 days, 2012 After replacing Steve Kean (a manager many said had been given too much time) Berg managed to win just one game of his 10 in charge before being shown the door. GETTY IMAGES 4/24 Gian Piero Gasperini (Inter Milan) 5 games 2010 In charge for three months and three league games, Gasperini was fired after a slow start to the season, joining the ever growing list of departees from Inter Milan. GETTY IMAGES 5/24 Dave Penney (Bristol Rovers) 13 matches 2011 Dave Penney could record just two wins during his 13 game reign. Not even two months into the job, he was out the door.

GETTY IMAGES 6/24 Leroy Rosenior (Torquay) 10 minutes 2007 The former Merthyr boss had just been given the job at Plainmoor, but the club was in the process of being taken over. Before the ink was dry, a local consortium completed the purchase and Paul Buckle was appointed manager. "It was something that I knew was going to happen but I didn't think it was going to happen after 10 minutes," Rosenior was quoted as saying at the time. GETTY IMAGES 7/24 Bill Lambton (Scunthorpe) 3 days 1959 In December 1958, Lambton became Leeds manager but left after four months. That, however, seems an age when compared to his next job at Scunthorpe. GETTY IMAGES 8/24 Dave Bassett (Crystal Palace) 4 days, 1984 Though Bassett never actually signed his contract, he was still referred to as Palace boss before having a change of heart and returning to Wimbledon.

GETTY IMAGES 9/24 Jorg Berger (Armenia Bielefled) 5 days, 2009 Berger was brought in for one game to try and save Arminia Bielefeld from relegation to the German Bundesliga 2. When the 64-year-old was unable to work his magic, he was shown the door. GETTY IMAGES 10/24 Jack Crompton (Luton) 7 days 1962 Goalkeeper for Manchester United between 1944 and 1956. When he retired, he became a trainer at United. Gave managing a go with Luton Town, but the experiment only lasted a week, Crompton deciding that his heart lay with United. GETTY IMAGES 11/24 Kevin Cullis (Swansea) 7 days, 1996 Cullis had arrived at the Vetch (pictured) with little fanfare and a reputation as a good PE teacher. His reign lasted two games in which the Swans conceded five goals.

GETTY IMAGES 12/24 Martin Ling - (Cambridge United) 9 days, 2009 The former Wrexham boss was taken on by Cambridge United in the summer of 2009. Before a ball had been kicked, however, he had headed for the exit, citing irreconcilable differences with the chairman. But then a curious twist: 16 days later, Ling returned and remained manager until 2011. Not so irreconcilable, then. GETTY IMAGES 13/24 Bryan Gunn (Norwich) 2 matches 2010 Former Norwich goalkeeper legend Bryan Gunn was sacked after just two games in charge. Given the job on a full time basis in the summer, a 7-1 opening day defeat didn't help his cause. A few days later Norwich won 4-0 in the Carling Cup. But, for some reason, it wasn't enough to save him. GETTY IMAGES 14/24 Micky Adams (Swansea) 13 days, 1997 Swansea's second feature in the top ten. Adams walked out after saying he had not been told the truth about his transfer kitty.

GETTY IMAGES 15/24 Luigi del Neri - (Porto) 15 days, 2004 Appointed to replace Jose Mourinho at Porto. Didn't even get a chance to drink from the poison chalice before he was offloaded. The official reason given by the club was 'poor time-keeping'. GETTY IMAGES 16/24 Jimy McIlroy (Bolton) 18 Days, 1970 A Burnley legend, McIlroy went on to manage Oldham for two years when his playing career had finished. It was on the back of that experience that he became Bolton manager for two and a half weeks. The experience must have been rather harrowing: after Bolton, McIlroy decided to retire from football altogether. GETTY IMAGES 17/24 Jose Antonio Camacho (Real Madrid) 23 days, 1998 Former Real full-back Camacho barely had time to get comfy in the office of Los Merengues when he fell out with the then president Lorenzo Sanz.

GETTY IMAGES 18/24 Tommy Docherty (QPR) 28 days 1968 An illustrious managerial career - won the FA Cup with Manchester United, the League Cup with Chelsea - also contained a few duds. After a successful spell at Chelsea, Docherty joined QPR in 1968 but lasted only 28 days. Docherty has the dubious honour of being able to be included in this list twice: he was appointed QPR manager again in 1979, sacked almost immediately and then reinstated after just nine days away. GETTY IMAGES 19/24 Paul Hart (QPR) 5 matches 2010 Hart walked before he was pushed under the crazy reign of Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore at Loftus Road. It was his second departure of the season, having left Portsmouth after a short stint at the helm on the south coast.

GETTY IMAGES 20/24 Steve Coppell (Manchester City) 33 days, 1996 Took the job with Manchester City after success in his first managerial post at Crystal Palace, but resigned just over a month later, citing as his reason stress caused by the job: "I'm not ashamed to admit that I have suffered for some time from huge pressure I have imposed upon myself". Coppell's resignation means his stay at the club is the shortest of any City manager to date. GETTY IMAGES 21/24 Paul Gascoigne (Kettering Town) 39 days 2005 Amid much fanfare, the troubled England legend was unveiled as manager of Kettering Town. Yet just a few weeks later, the 'sooted' Gazza was dismissed, with the board blaming his alcohol problems - something Gascoigne refutes. Gazza appeared to make a return to management in 2010 with Garforth Town, although he never actually attended any matches. A mix-up with the announcement of his appointment was blamed for the confusion.

GETTY IMAGES 22/24 Les Reed (Charlton) 41 days, 2006 In the great Charlton crash from Premiership regulars to League football fodder, Reed's appointment was the most bizarre. Even though he had been working at the FA, he had never been a number one, and it showed. Reed was forced to depart on Christmas Eve with the club seven points adrift of safety. GETTY IMAGES 23/24 Brian Clough - (Leeds) 44 days, 1974 The most infamous of short managerial reigns, immortalised in a hit book and film. Clough turned up and nobody liked him - not such a surprise as he spent most of his time at Derby criticising Leeds. The players demanded he went and Clough found himself out on his ear. GETTY IMAGES Leroy Rosenior the manager | The Welsh Gull Torquay United, the Football League and other stuff Leroy Rosenior the manager leave a comment » Ah, Leroy Rosenior. The pundit who isn’t Steve Claridge on the Football League Show, and therefore one of the most popular men in football.

Those not familiar with the lower leagues beyond the last few years may just assume that he is there because he is a decent pundit, or because of his playing career, which itself was largely unremarkable – his greatest achievements were a League Cup runners-up medal at QPR, 1987 Fulham Player of the Year and a solitary cap for mighty Sierra Leone. The more aware Football League Show viewer may know that he was also once manager of Torquay United for 10 minutes. Few, though, would appreciate the scale of the challenge he overcame in 2004 to get Torquay promoted to League One. The context is absolutely vital to demonstrating this. Leroy arrived at Plainmoor in the summer of 2002 after the resignation of Roy McFarland. The former Derby and Cambridge manager had guided the Gulls to a disappointing 19th in the league, which gave him little breathing room when chairman Mike Bateson decided that assistant manager David Preece couldn’t be retained if he didn’t continue as a player for the club. McFarland’s resignation was followed by the appointment of Rosenior, whose managerial career had included failures at Gloucester City and Merthyr Tydfil.

Surely the cheap option – surely a disaster waiting to happen. Actually, no. A solid first season meant that Torquay finished 9th, a first top half finish in what was then Division Three for the first time in 3 years. The attractive attacking football on offer was a contrast to the long ball slugs of the McFarland season. Instead of grinding out draws, matches became contests where the object was to score one more than the other. It was a breath of fresh air. The following year, Leroy had a settled side. The addition of former Plymouth defender Craig Taylor (brother of current assistant manager Shaun) added solidity at the back, while a fully fit Martin Gritton complemented goal machine David Graham in an all-Scottish attack. The creative influence of Alex Russell and Jason Fowler in midfield could not be underestimated, while the late loan signing of Liam Rosenior, who added pace and trickery on the wing, helped us over the line. After a dramatic last day, Torquay were promoted in 3rd place. Graham departed for Wigan for £215,000 in the summer after promotion and would never hit the same heights again.

Nor would Leroy’s Torquay, but at least they gave it a good go in League One. On a shoestring once again, the team became increasingly reliant on Russell’s creativity, but lacked a holding midfielder until the loan signing of Darren Garner late on. We also lacked a first choice goalkeeper for much of the season – alongside Arjan van Heusden and Kevin Dearden, who competed in 2003-04, the Gulls also saw Bertrand Bossu, Olafur Gottskalksson, Phil Barnes, Paul Jarvie and Andy Marriott feature between the posts. And yet despite this instability, a slow defence and numerous poor signings, we nearly survived. Adebayo Akinfenwa monstered League One defences in his first full season of English football, gaining momentum as his goal tally increased, while Leon Constantine also proved a goal threat during his loan spell, though proved a flop after he was signed for a club record £75,000. In the end, it again came down to the last day. Defeat to Colchester combined with a last minute winner for MK Dons against a second string Tranmere side already confirmed in the play-offs sent us back down.

The departures of Russell and Akinfenwa on freebies over the summer probably doomed Leroy to failure the following season, and he departed in January 2006, the dressing room having been lost. And while I suppose nearly every managerial spell ultimately ends in failure, it’s odd how Leroy perhaps doesn’t get as much praise as he ought to deserve, even from Torquay fans. Despite his success and god-like status with Torquay fans for a short while, a few criticisms of his ability have crept in over the years as the historical revisionists win out. The most popular criticism is that he was poor at making signings. It is said that the side that would become successful over Leroy’s first two seasons was largely built by his predecessors McFarland and Colin Lee, and most of the good players that joined were basically hand-me-downs from Plymouth, who were storming towards the Championship at the time. The signings Leroy would make to replace some of these key players were often notorious failures.

This particularly came to the fore after promotion to League One, when alleged drugs cheat Gottskalksson, Portuguese prima donna Bruno Meirelles, our least successful Argyle import Osvaldo Lopes, former Norwich striker Zema Abbey, and Tony Pulis’ son Anthony all appeared, usually briefly. This was followed the following year by the obscure French trio of Morike Sako, Mamadou Sow and Carl Yaya Priso – only Sako was a hit, while Sow was temperamental and Priso spent most of his time at the club “injured”. Leon Constantine is regarded as an expensive failure. But my feeling is that to criticise him for this is harsh. Firstly, yes, the side there already was a decent one, but it was hardly getting results in McFarland’s hands.

And you can’t say that he didn’t make additions – Jo Kuffour was one of the first, effectively as a replacement for the inconsistent Marcus Richardson, and he has since gone on to become an established player at this level; yes, we did benefit from Plymouth rejects, but Gritton, Taylor, Wills, McGlinchey and Phillips didn’t have to come to the club, nor did Leroy have to accept them; and some of the signings he made after promotion to League One were actually promising and could have kept us up. He also had to do the difficult job of turfing out those that weren’t capable, such as Paul Holmes after 2002-03, and David Woozley and Reuben Hazell after promotion, as well as quickly allowing those players that weren’t good enough to depart as soon as possible, rather than keeping them hanging around as disruptive influences or hogging the wage bill. As for the bad signings, you have to understand the context of the situation – he was working on a very, very small budget, and as a result, he could only sign cheap players.

Only Constantine and summer 2005 signing Alan Connell (for whom we paid £5,000) were bought – the rest of the players he signed were free transfers. It was very much a case of trial and error with this – inevitably some weren’t as good as others. Similarly, his reliance on loanees was going to carry risks – for every Paul Robinson (now Millwall captain), Craig Woodman (now at Exeter) or Danny Hollands (now at Charlton), there was a Stuart Noble, Anthony Pulis or Aaron Brown. He was also working with no assistant manager, bare minimum staff, and an academy that was being run-down until it was binned altogether. This was the immediate post-ITV Digital era – though we were never in financial trouble, money was tight for us, so we couldn’t afford to splash the cash (not that we ever have, but it was particularly bad at this time).

Leroy also wasn’t helped by the short contracts that he was effectively forced to give out – in some sense, the best deal he did was to get David Graham to sign as long a contract as he did, so that we could at least get something for him when Steve Bruce came a-knockin’. Russell and Akinfenwa were key losses, especially for nothing – two of our three best players (Marriott being the other, though he too would later leave on a free) leaving for no profit seriously hamstrung us in 2005-06. But there was also the loss of Stuart Wardley early into our 2004-05 season – he was looking like a key player for us but was only ever signed on a short-term contract, and left in October for Leyton Orient. Leroy’s role was thus, out of necessity, as a rough-diamond-smoother. He was bloody good at getting the best out of players that many managers had cast aside, either due to temperament or injury.

Akinfenwa is a great example of this, a player that was on the scrapheap until he came to Torquay and transformed his career, hence our disappointment when he refused to sign a new contract after our relegation in order to leave us behind. David Graham is another – his difficulties at higher levels and resulting tumble down to the leagues into non-league football demonstrate this. There were some he couldn’t handle, like Meirelles, Constantine and Sow, but some things are beyond a manager’s ability to control. He also had quite a bit of bad luck at this time. The loss of Jason Fowler midway through 2004-05 to injury-related premature retirement was a massive blow – Jason was a fantastic player, as all Cardiff fans of that time will remember, and he would have played a big role in helping keep us up that season. The following season, Ian Stonebridge suffered with an injury that would eventually lead to his early retirement in 2007. Equally, in his final weeks, he nearly pulled off one last feat of genius, proving that another criticism, that of tactical naivety, is also unfair. Torquay hosted Premier League side Birmingham City in an FA Cup third round tie.

Torquay dominated, making a mockery of their more established rivals (though that wasn’t necessarily too difficult with Emile Heskey playing for them) – they had a goal disallowed, hit the post, and forced some fine saves from Maik Taylor. Unfortunately, the winning goal didn’t come, and the replay at St Andrew’s saw the inevitable defeat. Leroy would soon be gone due to poor league form, and thus his role in this near-miss is largely forgotten. Torquay’s FA Cup record during his reign was patchy, with defeats to non-league Burton and Hinckley in the years before. But this was no mean feat. I suppose I have focused a lot on potential criticisms. I’m sure most Torquay fans would agree that he’s well-regarded, even if not deified by the faithful. But I don’t think anyone would say that he was an exceptionally good manager, and the holes are occasionally picked in his reign. Indeed, when it was rumoured that he would return to the club after our relegation to the Conference, his potential appointment wasn’t regarded with too much optimism – the old niggles about him not being good at signing players and having no plan B returned.

And ultimately I think this is harsh – he did an exceptional job in difficult circumstances, and few other lower league managers would have achieved what he did in the same situation. In some ways, I’m surprised he has only managed one club since Torquay (a brief unsuccessful reign at Brentford, albeit one following on from Martin Allen – make of that what you will) – considering some managers have forged careers out of having such mediocre records, it’s surprising that he hasn’t been given another go. Perhaps the punditry’s paying well. At least it keeps Claridge off our screens occasionally – a noble sacrifice of his promising career to save the nation’s football fans from weekly irritation. Like this: Leroy Rosenior : definition of Leroy Rosenior and synonyms of Leroy Rosenior (English) Leroy Rosenior (born 24 August 1964 in Clapham , London ) is a professional football coach and pundit. He is a former professional footballer whose clubs included Fulham , Queens Park Rangers (for whom he appeared as a substitute in the 1986 League Cup Final ), Bristol City and West Ham United .

As one of the few black football managers in England , Rosenior has spoken openly about the racism that he experienced as a player and a manager. He has said that there is a glass ceiling holding back qualified black coaches from getting the top jobs. [1] Rosenior has managed clubs including Merthyr Tydfil , Torquay United , Brentford and was assistant to Gary Peters at Shrewsbury Town . His son, Liam , is a professional footballer. Contents Brentford (manager) After a period as Bristol City's youth team coach Rosenior's first managerial post was with Southern League Premier side Gloucester City . His first full season in charge saw Gloucester lose a 3rd replay in the FA Trophy semi-final to Dagenham and Redbridge and defeat on the final day of the season to Salisbury City cost a place in the Football Conference with local rivals Cheltenham Town being promoted. Rosenior left the following season, taking over Bristol City's reserve side.

Rosenior returned to non-league, managing Merthyr Tydfil before moving to Torquay United from July 2002 to January 2006, when he left the club by mutual consent after the 3-1 home defeat to Rochdale . In his second season in charge he took Torquay to promotion to Football League One , but was unable to keep them there, experiencing relegation on the last day of the season. The return to Football League Two heralded the departure of Alex Russell and Adebayo Akinfenwa , two of the club's best players. After languishing near the bottom of the league for half the season, Leroy eventually left the club by mutual consent. In March 2006, he was named first team coach at Shrewsbury Town , acting as assistant to manager Gary Peters . He left in June 2006 to take up the managerial position at Brentford , succeeding Martin Allen . [3] Twenty years earlier he had replaced Allen when he came on as a substitute for in the 1986 League Cup final.

Five months after his appointment, Rosenior left the club., [4] after a run of 16 games without a win, which culminated in a 4-0 home defeat to Crewe Alexandra . He was scheduled to take charge of the Sierra Leone national side for a friendly against Leyton Orient in May 2007, [5] which they won 4-2. [6] It was announced on BBC Radio 5 Live on 27 May 2007 that he would indeed take charge of Sierra Leone in their upcoming African Nations Qualifiers. Rosenior returned to Torquay United as head coach on 17 May 2007, replacing Keith Curle , [7] but was reportedly sacked after 10 minutes, which gave him the record of the shortest managerial reign in the history of English football. This was because at the same time Torquay were bought by a local consortium who installed Colin Lee as Chief Executive, Lee then appointed former Gulls player and Exeter City assistant manager Paul Buckle as manager. [8] Honours 1986 League Cup runner-up (QPR 0-3 Oxford United ) 1982 Fulham F.C.

Young Player of the Year 1987 Fulham F.C. Player of the Year As manager Promoted to League One with Torquay United in May 2004. Other professional interests Rosenior works as a presenter and pundit on G-Sports , an African Pay-Per-View channel, and for the BBC 's coverage of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations . Other punditry work has included BBC Radio 5 Live and The Football League Show . He also appears alongside fellow ex-pro Graeme Murty and presenter James Richardson (television presenter) in the BBC South , BBC South West and BBC West local Monday night football round-up show, Late Kick Off Rosenior is a leading anti-racism campaigner in British football and travels the country working as an ambassador for the Show Racism The Red Card campaign. References Leroy Rosenior | The 10 most undignified sackings in English football - Football Football Previous slide Next slide 2 of 11 View All Skip Ad Leroy Rosenior Torquay Utd, May 2007 The former West Ham striker returned to Plainmoor for a second spell after leading them to promotion in 2004.

Ten minutes after his introductory press conference the chairman, Mike Bateson, announced that he had sold the club and Rosenior was told he had no future under the new regime. Credit: Getty Images Leroy Rosenior - The Full Wiki The Full Wiki More info on Leroy Rosenior Wikis Note: Many of our articles have direct quotes from sources you can cite, within the Wikipedia article! This article doesn't yet, but we're working on it! See more info or our list of citable articles . Related top topics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Leroy Rosenior 24 August 1964 (1964-08-24) (age 45) Place of birth 1 Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. * Appearances (Goals) Leroy Rosenior (born 24 August 1964 in Clapham , London ) is a professional football coach and pundit. He is a former professional footballer whose clubs included Fulham , Queens Park Rangers (for whom he appeared as a substitute in the 1986 League Cup Final ), Bristol City and West Ham United .

As one of the few black football managers in England , Rosenior has spoken openly about the racism that he experienced as a player and a manager. He has said that there is a glass ceiling holding back qualified black coaches from getting the top jobs. [1] Rosenior has managed clubs including Merthyr Tydfil , Torquay , Brentford and was assistant to Gary Peters at Shrewsbury Town . His son, Liam , is a professional footballer. Contents 6 External links Playing career Rosenior was a striker for most of his career although towards the end of his playing days at Gloucester City he also turned out at centre-back, even in goal in a match against Kingstonian . He started at Fulham , also playing for Queens Park Rangers , West Ham United , Charlton Athletic , Bristol City and Fleet Town . He played for England at Under-16 and Under-21 level but changed allegiance to Sierra Leone to gain one cap for the country. Coaching and managerial career Brentford (manager) After a period as Bristol City's youth team coach Rosenior's first managerial post was with Southern League Premier side Gloucester City .

His first full season in charge saw Gloucester lose a 3rd replay in the FA Trophy semi-final to Dagenham and Redbridge and defeat on the final day of the season to Salisbury City cost a place in the Football Conference with local rivals Cheltenham Town being promoted. Rosenior left the following season, taking over Bristol City's reserve side. Rosenior returned to non-league, managing Merthyr Tydfil before moving to Torquay United from July 2002 to January 2006, when he left the club by mutual consent after the 3-1 home defeat to Rochdale . In his second season in charge he took Torquay to promotion to Football League One , but was unable to keep them there, experiencing relegation on the last day of the season. The return to Football League Two heralded the departure of Alex Russell and Adebayo Akinfenwa , two of the club's best players. After languishing near the bottom of the league for half the season, Leroy eventually left the club by mutual consent. In March 2006, he was named first team coach at Shrewsbury Town , acting as assistant to manager Gary Peters .

He left in June 2006 to take up the managerial position at Brentford , succeeding Martin Allen . [2] Twenty years earlier he had replaced Allen when he came on as a substitute for in the 1986 League Cup final. Five months after his appointment, Rosenior left the club. [3] , after a run of 16 games without a win, which culminated in a 4-0 home defeat to Crewe . He was scheduled to take charge of the Sierra Leone national side for a friendly against Leyton Orient in May 2007, [4] , which they won 4-2 [5] . It was announced on BBC Radio 5 Live on 27 May 2007 that he would indeed take charge of Sierra Leone in their upcoming African Nations Qualifiers. Rosenior returned to Torquay United as head coach on 17 May 2007, replacing Keith Curle [6 ] but was reportedly sacked after 10 minutes, which gave him the record of the shortest managerial reign in the history of English football.

This was because at the same time Torquay were bought by a local consortium who installed Colin Lee as Chief Executive, Lee then appointed former Gulls player and Exeter City assistant manager Paul Buckle as manager. [7 ] Honours 1986 League Cup runner-up (QPR 0-3 Oxford United ) 1982 Fulham F.C. Young Player of the Year 1987 Fulham F.C. Player of the Year As manager Promoted to League One with Torquay United in May 2004. Other professional interests Rosenior works as a presenter and pundit on G-Sports, an African Pay-Per-View channel, and for the BBC 's coverage of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations . Other punditry work has included BBC Radio 5 Live and The Football League Show . Rosenior is a leading anti-racism campaigner in British football and travels the country working as an ambassador for the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.

References Brian Clough, Leroy Rosenior lead the way - News - Kick Off Brian Clough, Leroy Rosenior lead the way Posted: 17 August 2010 Time: 21:17 Print this article South African football has a bad reputation when it comes to firing coaches, but there are some countries with even less for the men at the helm. Leroy Rosenior - Torquay United (2007) Surely the shortest serving manager of all time, Rosenior enters the list for sheer comedic value. He returned to coach his former side Torquay United and didn’t last as long as the half-time interval – ten minutes be precise. After doing his comeback press conference, Rosenior was told that the club had been sold and the new owners wanted their own man in charge.

Referring to the club being sold, he told the BBC at the time: “It was something I knew was going to happen, but I didn't think it was going to happen after 10 minutes.” Jorn Andersen – Mainz (2009) One of the more harsh dismissals as Norwegian coach Jorn Andersen got the sack as he was getting ready for a crack at the Bundesliga on the eve of the new season. Andersen had secured Mainz promotion in his solitary season in charge as they finished second and scored the most goals in the German second tier. With just six days to go until their opener against Bayer Leverkusen, Andersen and Mainz parted company. “We have at Mainz clear a job profile to define how a coach should work with the team and the club,” said general manager Christian Heide at the time. To his credit, Andersen wasn't bitter. “I regret the decision of the club very much, but our ideas were simply too different. We don't part on angry terms.” Andersen's replacement, Thomas Tuchel, led Mainz to a very credible 9th in their first season back in the Bundesliga.

Luigi Del Neri – Porto (2004) Current Juventus manager Luigi del Neri had the difficult task of replacing Jose Mourinho at Porto. He signed a three-year contract with the then European Champions after impressing at Chievo, but got no further than a handful of friendly games in pre season before being shown the door. He said at the time: “I believe after the excellent results achieved over the past two years the club directors were afraid of change.” Porto President Jorge Pinto da Costa was alleged to have lost patience with his new manager after he failed to return to Portugal on time following a break in Italy. Del Neri said in 2004: “I've tried to come up with a theory, a valid reason for my dismissal, but I still can't find one.” Newcastle United – Various (1998, 1999, 2004, 2008) The Geordies’ inability to win a major trophy in decades is in no small part to their trigger-happy approach to managers. Kenny Daglish, who got the club to an FA Cup final and a second spot in the league, was sacked two games into 1998/99.

His replacement, Ruud Gullit, lasted the season and then left five games into the next campaign after daring to leave Alan Shearer out of the first team. Sir Bobby Robson lasted five years in the job before being giving his marching orders after a four-match winless start at the beginning of the 2004/05 season. The late England manager was scathing about the treatment he received in his autobiography and then Chairman Freddy Shepherd said of the sacking: “I didn’t want to be known as the man who shot Bambi.” Since then managers like Sam Allardyce (eight months) and Kevin Keegan (eight months) have walked through the St James' Gate revolving door. Keegan resigned for a second time three games into the 2008/09 season. Juande Ramos – CSKA Moscow (2009) There was a time when Juande Ramos was coveted by many of Europe's top clubs after leading Sevilla to consecutive Uefa Cup triumphs. He left for Tottenham Hotspur in October 2007 and was sacked almost exactly a year later.

Sandwiching Real Madrid in between Spurs and CSKA Moscow, the Spaniard's time in Russia was a major disappointment, lasting just six weeks at the helm. Going 3-0 down before half-time against local rivals FC Moscow enraged the home fans, and the players had to be escorted off by militia police after the final whistle. Ramos was sacked afterwards, exactly two years after he was appointed at Spurs and one year and a day since he got the boot from White Hart Lane. Hector Cuper – Real Betis/Parma (2007/08) Poor old Hector Cuper. Losing consecutive Champions League finals is bad enough, bottling a Scudetto in 2002, add in losing on away goals on your own ground (when Inter were defeated by Milan in the UCL semi-final in 2002/03) and being sacked early by Inter the next season is enough to put any coach off the prospect of management. Cuper took over at Betis in the summer of 2007, but was gone before Christmas after winning just two of their opening 14 games. “Cuper has proven himself to be a gentleman throughout his time at the head of the team.

It is the results that have been the reason for his departure,” said the club at the time. Undeterred, Cuper returned to Italy to coach Parma in March of the following year with the brief of keeping them in Serie A. Things didn't go according to plan with Cuper winning two, drawing three and losing five of his games in charge. Incredibly, he was given the bullet before Parma's last game of the season against Inter, with the relegation strugglers needing a win to survive. Parma lost 2-0 and were sent down to Serie B. Cuper, meanwhile, hasn't been put off management and is now the gaffer at Greek side Aris Thessaloniki. Marcello Lippi – Inter (2000) Along with World Cup 2010, Marcello Lippi's stint with Inter is one of the few duds of his distinguished career. He was expected to bring title success to the Nerazzurri as he had done with Juventus, but lasted just over a season at the San Siro. Lippi offloaded Roberto Baggio and brought in Robbie Keane for the 2000/01 season, which got off to a disastrous start.

Inter were eliminated in the qualifying round of the Champions League by Swedish side Helsingborg and after an opening day defeat by Reggina, Lippi was dismissed. Jose Mourinho – Chelsea (2007) Winning every domestic trophy in three full seasons wasn't enough to satisfy Chelsea's demanding owner Roman Abramovich. The Russian craved the Champions League and pushed the panic button after an indifferent start to the 2007/08 season, where the Blues lost to Aston Villa and drew with Blackburn Rovers. After managing only a draw against Rosenborg in the Champions League, with 17 000 empty seats, the manager was released from his duties by ‘mutual consent’. Jose Antonio Camacho – Real Madrid (1998, 2004) Having graced the Santiago Bernabeu as a player, it was perhaps inevitable that Camacho would return one day as coach. He did on two separate occasions, with both of them combined barely lasting more than a Spanish wet day.

He was drafted in to replace Jupp Heynckes at the then European Champions in 1998, but lasted just 23 days in the summer after a row with the club's President Lorenzo Sanz over his backroom staff. Camacho's second stint in 2004 didn't last much longer, clocking in at 115 days. He asked the club to sign Patrick Vieira, so they bought Michael Owen instead. This time he got to be in charge for some competitive games best remembered for a Champions League thumping by Bayer Leverkusen. Wound up the Galacticos with his criticism of “pointless fancy flicks”, he showed he meant business by dropping David Beckham and Raul. A defeat against Espanyol, where Madrid went down to nine men, was the final curtain and Camacho resigned again. Brian Clough – Leeds United (1974) Cloughie may have only been in charge of the 'Damned Utd' for 44 days, but it was enough to merit an acclaimed book and movie about his short tenure at Elland Road.

He was a shock choice to take over the reigning league champions from his nemesis Don Revie as he'd regularly slaughtered Leeds over the years for their approach to the game. At his first training session he told the Leeds players to chuck all their medals in the bin as he believed they hadn't been won fairly. He saved his best line for injury prone Eddie Gray telling him that if he had been a race horse then he would have been shot! Unsurprisingly the Leeds players didn't warm to their new manager and he was booted out after just six games leaving the league champions languishing near the foot of the table after picking up just one win. Clough said at the time, “it's a sad day for football”. Torquay deny Rosenior quit claim | Daily Mail Online Torquay deny Rosenior quit claim Last updated at 17:49 21 May 2007 Confusion surrounds the future of Leroy Rosenior after he and Conference-bound Torquay today issued contrasting statements over his position as manager.

Rosenior had reportedly lost his job within just 10 minutes of being appointed last Thursday after owner Mike Bateson sold the club, but managing director Debbie Hancox insists the former Brentford boss is still at the helm. Scroll down for more She said: "Nothing has happened to change Leroy's position as yet. He was appointed on Thursday and the club then accepted a bid from a consortium." Rosenior has responded by saying he was under the impression he would not be required by the new consortium, which is led by Cris Boyce. "He [Bateson] didn't envisage selling the club in the near future," Rosenior told BBC News 24. "So I did the press conference on Thursday, I did all the interviews and, within 10 minutes, Mike called me to let me know he had actually sold the club. "So it was something that I knew was going to happen but I didn't think it was going to happen after 10 minutes.

"I've been told a new consortium is coming in, they're bringing their own people and I won't have anything to do with it." Former director of football Colin Lee was reportedly behind the new bid for the club and was planning to appoint himself as manager but Hancox insists that is not the case. She added: "Colin Lee is not involved in the consortium at all. There are about eight people behind it but he is not one of them." The shortest tenure in charge in English football to date is Dave Bassett's four-day reign at Crystal Palace in 1984. Paul Sturrock leaves Torquay United role after four days - BBC Sport Paul Sturrock leaves Torquay United role after four days By Brent Pilnick 8 Apr 2015 From the section Football Paul Sturrock had not been involved with a club since he was sacked by Southend in March 2013 Paul Sturrock has left his role as an advisor to Conference side Torquay United after just four days in the job. The former Plymouth boss, 58, but has left after being offered a permanent role elsewhere. Sturrock refused to discuss who he is joining when contacted by BBC Sport.

His exit is not the quickest someone has left a role at Plainmoor - Leroy Rosenior was sacked 10 minutes after being appointed as manager in 2007. Rosenior left shortly after the club was taken over by a new consortium. Torquay's turbulent 12 months April 2014: after finishing bottom of League Two September 2014: Go second in the Conference after a 10-game unbeaten run which included six successive wins October 2014: Fail to make the FA Cup first round for the first time in club history after a 2-0 loss at Aldershot in the fourth qualifying round December 2014: Begin a run of one win in 12 league games January 2015: Bring in former Oxford chairman Kelvin Thomas to try and find a buyer for the club March 2014: Reserve goalkeeper Jordan Seabright March 2014: Millionaire chairwoman Thea Bristow The Torquay board still hope to try and bring in some else to support manager Chris Hargreaves.

"I am very disappointed but we wish Paul the very best of luck in his new job," said Torquay United vice-chairman Bill Phillips in a statement. "We still believe in the principle of someone to work with Chris and to provide an additional sounding board for ideas, both tactically and in terms of recruitment. I also genuinely believe Chris endorses that view. "Paul Sturrock fitted the bill because he lives locally but I wish him well in his new job. Events can take over the best laid plans but we have to find someone comparable with Paul. "The principle is there and now it's finding the right person. The basis of the idea is to do everything we can to help Chris achieve great success as the manager of Torquay United." Find out more Axed: Five harsh sackings in football « Express & Star Comments Slavisa Jokanovic, the man who guided Watford back into the Premier League, was unceremoniously dumped recently the Hornets. He made the mistake of asking for a bumper pay deal on the back of his success and has since been put in charge of Israeli treble-winners Maccabi Tel Aviv.

He spoke about his sacking today, saying: "I felt I was being offered probably half of the lowest wages of a manager in the Premier League." "I am not resentful. Watford will always have a special place in my heart. The players, the staff and the fans treated me in an exceptional manner." Following the summer’s first shock departure, Nathan Judah looks at five more men who can count themselves extremely unlucky to receive their P45. 1 Leroy Rosenior, Torquay United. Gone in ten - Leroy Rosenior lasted just minutes after taking charge of Torquay United for a second spell. Surely the shortest and most unfair dismissal of all-time was Leroy Rosenior’s 10-minute reign at Torquay. Rosenior was appointed manager after the club were relegated from League Two back in 2007. But immediately following the hiring, then chairman Mike Bateson sold 51 per cent of the club to a consortium headed by Chris Boyce. The first act of the new owners was to relieve the former Fulham star of his duties. 2 Sam Allardyce, Blackburn Rovers.

Dudley-born Allardyce took over Rovers in December 2008 with the club 19th in the Premier League table and hot favourites for relegation under Indian poultry owners Venky’s. He steadied the ship and kept them in the league, eventually finishing 15th. Blackburn were relegated the following season. At Upton Park, Big Sam was moved aside at the end of last season to make way for Slaven Bilic. Many had seemingly forgotten he had returned the club to the top flight at his first attempt, after the Hammers were relegated in 2011. Premier League finishes of 10, 13th and 12th followed but it was not enough to save him. 3 Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea. Former Albion head coach Roberto Di Matteo took over Chelsea as ‘interim manager,’ following the disastrous reign of Andre Villas-Boas. Champions League glory followed with victory over Bayern Munich in the final. before Chelsea also went on to win the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Liverpool. He was sacked six months later. Chris Hughton while in charge of Newcastle United. 4. Chris Hughton, Newcastle.

Given the caretaker role by Mike Ashley back in 2009, Chris Hughton’s magnificent start to the season gave the owners no choice but to give him the job on a permanent basis. Newcastle stormed to the Championship title. Premier League wins over Villa (6-0) Arsenal (1-0) and Sunderland (5-1) followed. But the club's board sensationally sacked Hughton that December, leading to anger and disbelief among the Toon Army. 5 Mark Warburton, Brentford. The Brentford manager took the League One club straight into the Championship, after replacing Uwe Rosler back in December 2013. More on this story:

Question: When Leroy Rosenior was appointed as manager of Torquay for the second time for how many minutes did he last?
Answer: TEN